Sierra Leone's Culture of Sycophancy and the Cost of Truth

In Sierra Leone, the phenomenon of sycophancy has become deeply ingrained in the country's political culture. This culture equates personal loyalty with public service, rewards agreement as wisdom, and values proximity to power as a qualification. As a result, those in power often crave reassurance and ignore the costs to the nation. The "applause economy" is a term that can be used to describe this phenomenon, where praise becomes currency and silence is the price of inclusion.

The era of former President Ernest Bai Koroma is a prime example of this culture of sycophancy. During his decade in office, Koroma was surrounded by supporters and sycophants who saw agreement with him as the ultimate loyalty. Government actions were deemed visionary, and criticism was often deemed treachery. However, the 2018 election marked a shift, with some aligning with Koroma moving to the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), abandoning prior political loyalties for immediate advantage.

Political defection is not inherently dishonorable, but when allegiance shifts simply for access to power, it demonstrates the volatile nature of political loyalty. Sycophancy starts innocently enough but can spiral into blind agreement. Flatterers may lose touch with reality, defending questionable decisions out of fear of losing favor. According to Niccolò Machiavelli, leaders should surround themselves with those willing to speak uncomfortable truths.

The rise of social media has given birth to the "invisible sycophant" – individuals who, devoid of power positions, still fervently support the president. This reflects a broader trend where online voices generate the illusion of consensus, misleading leaders into believing their actions are universally applauded. The distinction between genuine support and sycophancy lies in the independence of judgment.

As 2028 approaches, with President Bio promising not to seek a third term, political dynamics are shifting. Those once reliant on proximity may need to reassess their positions as new leadership opportunities arise within the SLPP. Faced with change, loyalty may shift from personal devotion to support for institutional integrity. Politicians must consider whether their principles will endure amid changing circumstances.

The repercussions of government actions – positive or negative – remain long after applause fades. Both the All People's Congress (APC) and SLPP must reflect on the political culture they fostered and work towards cultivating a climate where honest dialogue is valued and citizens can support their government while maintaining independent judgment.

In the end, when sycophancy prevails, it is the nation that pays the price. To move forward, Sierra Leone's politicians must prioritize institutional integrity and honest dialogue over personal loyalty and sycophancy. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive and equitable political culture that serves the nation's best interests.

Key points

• The culture of sycophancy in Sierra Leone equates personal loyalty with public service, rewarding agreement as wisdom and valuing proximity to power as a qualification.